wolverine 

Gulo gulo

Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae

Other Names: Devil bear, carcajou, skunk bear, devil beast.

Status: Wolverine fur is highly valued and widely used in the Arctic and sub-Arctic as ruffs or trim on parkas and other garments.  The most viable and widespread population of wolverines in the contiguous 48 states occurs in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.  Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Identifying Characteristics: Except for its bushy tail, the wolverine looks like a small bear.  Compact and strongly built.  Medium brown to almost black in color.  Color is paler on the head; two broad, yellowish stripes that start at shoulders and join on rump.  Often displays white or light tan patch markings on the throat and chest.  Feet are large in relation to size of body.  Largest terrestrial member of the weasel family.  Total length: 31 to 51 inches.  Weight: 35 to 60 pounds.

Habitat: The primary wolverine habitat in Montana is the coniferous forest types of the Rocky Mountains.  Roams large areas in solitude.  Mainly animals of the heavy forest.

Food Habits: A very opportunistic feeder.  Generally a carnivore, will also feed on meat carrion and berries.  Famous for robbing traps and food caches of trappers.  When necessary, can kill animals many times its own size.

 Life History: Active day or nights.  Except for the breeding season exhibits solitary habits.  General behavior is similar to other mustelid predators.  Dens in any sheltered place.  Breeds during summer; litters from 1 to 5 young are born between February and April.  Exhibits delayed implantation of the fertilized egg.

Similar Species: Fisher - no yellowish body stripes.

More Info...

TRAPPING DISTRICTS 1 through 5 SEASON DATES: December 1 - February 15 of the following year. License must be purchased prior to December 1.

Limit: Persons may take and possess one (1) wolverine each per season.

Pelt Tagging: Trappers and hunters are required to personally present the pelts of wolverine for tagging to a designated Fish, Wildlife & Parks employee residing in the trapping district where the animal was taken within five (5) days of harvest. Trappers or hunters unable to comply with the five day pelt tagging requirements due to special circumstances or the unavailability of local FWP personnel must still register their pelts within five days of harvest by calling the proper regional office to make arrangements for tagging by FWP personnel at a later time. Pelts not presented or registered to department personnel within 5 days are subject to confiscation.

Carcasses: It is mandatory that the entire and intact carcass of all wolverine be turned into Fish, Wildlife & Parks in good condition, at the time the pelt is presented for tagging. The skull will be retained by Fish, Wildlife & Parks for processing and examination and then returned to the owner if desired. Good condition is defined as fresh or frozen and securely wrapped in such a manner as to have prevented decomposition in order that all tissue samples are suitable for lab analysis. Any wolverine pelt that is presented for tagging without the carcass in good condition shall be subject to confiscation.

 

Directors   ::   Links   ::   Policies   ::   Donations
EMAIL if you have questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: August 01, 2008
Copyright © Montana Trappers Association. All rights reserved